Wilshere plays for an hour on comeback

Jack Wilshere took to the field in an Arsenal shirt for the first time in 14 months as he stepped up his comeback from injury.

Wilshere was hailed as one of the best players of his generation when he broke in to the Arsenal squad two years ago, but his career has stalled due to an ankle injury he suffered prior to last season. The injury, sustained against New York Red Bulls in July 2011, was originally thought to be minor, but he encountered complications in his rehabilitation and then suffered a knee problem that required surgery last April. The latest problem kept the 20-year-old out for the whole of last season, but he looks set to feature for the Londoners this term after making a low-key return and completing 63 minutes in the Gunners under-21's 1-0 defeat this afternoon. Wilshere looked lively throughout the match against a West Brom under-21 side, with a beautiful reverse pass to set up a chance for Nico Yennaris serving as a reminder of the midfielder's talent and vision.